Battery pack for mobile devices

ABSTRACT

A battery pack is provided for a mobile communication device, comprising a casing defining a cavity that conforms, at least partially, to the outer shape of the mobile communication device and one or more rechargeable power cells housed within the thickness of the casing. An internal interface engages a corresponding interface on the mobile communication device to provide power from the one or more rechargeable cells to the mobile communication device. An external interface is electrically coupled to the internal interface in order to transmit signals from the mobile communication device to an external device and may further serve to recharge the one or more rechargeable power cells. The battery pack may also serve as an extendible platform by providing additional integrated communication interfaces and/or processors that can be utilized by the mobile communication device to extend its communication and/or processing capabilities.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/686,770, titled BATTERY PACK FOR MOBILE DEVICES, filed on Aug. 25,2017, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/569,229, titled BATTERY PACK AND HOLSTER FOR MOBILE DEVICES, filed onDec. 12, 2014, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 12/938,351, titled BATTERY PACK, HOLSTER, AND EXTENDIBLE PROCESSINGAND INTERFACE PLATFORM FOR MOBILE DEVICES, filed on Nov. 2, 2010, whichis a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/357,262, titledBATTERY PACK, HOLSTER, AND EXTENDIBLE PROCESSING AND INTERFACE PLATFORMFOR MOBILE DEVICES, filed on Jan. 21, 2009, which claims the benefitunder 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/021,897, titled BATTERY PACK AND HOLSTER FOR MOBILE DEVICES, andfiled Jan. 18, 2008, the disclosures of which are hereby expresslyincorporated by reference for all purposes.

FIELD

One embodiment relates to battery packs and/or holsters and, moreparticular, to an external battery pack and/or holster for mobileelectronic devices.

BACKGROUND

Many mobile devices (e.g., mobile phones, digital assistants, mobilecommunication devices, handheld computing devices, personalmusic/video/content players and storage devices) are often powered bybattery power sources. Such battery power sources are often housedwithin the mobile device and may be changed and/or recharged as needed.However, as inure powerful mobile devices are designed, these tend toconsume power more quickly, thereby shortening the time between charges.This tends to limit the usefulness of the mobile device since the usermust find a power source to recharge the battery source and wait untilit is recharged.

Additionally, after a certain number of recharges, a battery source mayneed to be replaced as it may no longer hold a charge. Oftentimes, it isnot easy to replace a battery source as the mobile device may need to bedisassembled or opened to reach the battery source.

Therefore, a way is needed to extend the time between charges of mobiledevices and/or continue to power the mobile device even after aninternal power source has been depleted.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, a battery pack for a mobile communicationdevice is provided comprising a casing and one or more rechargeablepower cells. The casing may define a cavity that conforms, at leastpartially, to the outer shape of the mobile communication device.Additionally, the casing may further define one or more access openingsto permit access to integrated interfaces (e.g., power button, cameralens, audio jack, etc.) of the mobile communication device.

The one or more rechargeable power cells may be housed within thethickness of the casing. For example, the power cells may be housedwithin the thickness of a back plane of the casing. The casing maysecure the mobile communication device within the cavity while at leastone surface of the mobile communication device remains exposed.

The battery pack may also include an internal interface and/or externalinterface. The internal interface may engage a corresponding interfaceon the mobile communication device to provide power from the one or morerechargeable cells to the mobile communication device. The externalinterface may be electrically coupled to the internal interface in orderto transmit signals from the mobile communication device to an externaldevice. The external interface may further serve to recharge the one ormore rechargeable power cells.

The battery pack may further comprise a recharging device integratedwithin the battery pack that wireles sly recharges the one or morerechargeable power cells. This may include an inductive electricalrecharging system that requires no direct contact or can recharge at adistance.

According to one aspect, the battery pack may also include additionalcommunication interfaces and/or processors. For instance, a plurality ofcommunication interfaces may be coupled to the internal interface,wherein the mobile communication device can transmit and receive signalsvia the communication interfaces Likewise, at least one processor withinthe battery pack may be coupled to the internal interface and adapted tocollect information via one or more interfaces of the battery pack andprovide the collected information to the mobile communication device. Inone example, the at least one processor may be adapted to execute one ormore instructions under the control of the mobile communication device.

The battery pack may also include a display interface integrated intothe battery pack to display information to a user. Such displayinterface may allow expanding the display from the mobile communicationdevice to the display interface.

According to one aspect, the thickness of the battery pack may beapproximately or substantially the same as the thickness of the mobilecommunication device. For this purpose, the battery pack may be slimand/or have an ergonomic shape so that it does not significantlyincrease the thickness and/or size of the mobile communication device.Consequently, mobile communication device can be used within the batterypack for extended periods of time since the battery pack does notsignificantly increase the bulkiness of the mobile communication device.

According to one embodiment, a battery pack for a mobile device isprovided, comprising: a back plane, a first and second sides, a bottomside, and one or more battery cells housed within the thickness of theback plane. The back plane and first, second and bottom sides may definea cavity for mounting the mobile device. The one or more battery cellsmay be rechargeable while a mobile device is mounted within the cavity.The battery pack may also include an internal interface thatelectrically couples the one or more battery cells to the mobile device.

Additionally, the battery pack may include one or more speakers housedwithin the thickness of the back plane. The speakers may be electricallycoupled to an interface to allow a mobile device mounted in the cavityto send audio signals through the one or more speakers. Similarly, thebattery pack may include one or more microphones housed within thethickness of the back plane and electrically coupled to an interface toallow a mobile device mounted in the cavity to receive audio signalsfrom the one or more microphones.

According to yet another aspect, the battery pack may include aplurality of communication interfaces coupled to the internal interface,wherein the mobile communication device can transmit and receive signalsvia the communication interfaces. The battery pack may also include atleast one processor coupled to the internal interface and adapted tocollect information via one or more of the plurality of communicationinterfaces and provide the collected information to the mobilecommunication device.

The thickness of the battery pack may be less than twice the thicknessof the mobile communication device.

According to yet another feature a battery pack is provided comprising:(a) a holster defining a cavity that conforms, at least partially, tothe outer shape of the mobile communication device; (b) one or morerechargeable power cells; and/or (c) an electrical connector to providepower from the one or more rechargeable power cells to the mobilecommunication device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a battery pack for a mobiledevice according to one example.

FIG. 2 illustrates how a mobile device can be housed within the batterypack of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the battery pack of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates the battery pack of FIG. 1 in an open configuration.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the battery pack of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom view of the battery pack of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 illustrates a back view of the battery pack of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 illustrates back view of the battery pack of FIG. 1 in an openposition.

FIG. 9 illustrates a first side view of the battery pack of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 illustrates the first side view of the battery pack of FIG. 1 inan open position.

FIG. 11 illustrates a second side view of the battery pack of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 illustrates the second side view of the battery pack of FIG. 1in an open position.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of components of the battery pack of FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 illustrates a block diagram for the battery pack of FIG. 1.

FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of the battery pack.

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of the battery pack with a mobiledevice 1602 inserted therein.

FIG. 17 illustrates a battery pack that also operates as an extendibleprocessing and/or interfacing platform for a mobile device.

FIG. 18 illustrates another perspective view of the battery pack.

FIG. 19 illustrates a front view of the battery pack.

FIG. 20 illustrates a front view of the battery pack 1502 with themobile device inserted therein.

FIG. 21 illustrates a back view of the battery pack with the mobiledevice inserted therein.

FIG. 22 illustrates a side view of the battery pack with and without themobile device.

FIGS. 23-27 illustrate one example of a battery pack for a mobiledevice.

FIGS. 28-31 illustrate an embodiment of a mobile device holster.

FIGS. 32-35B illustrate an alternative embodiment of a battery pack.

FIGS. 36A-40B illustrate an alternative embodiment of a battery pack.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description of the invention, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the invention. However, the invention may be practicedwithout these specific details. In other instances, well known methods,procedures, and/or components have not been described in detail so asnot to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the invention.

Various embodiments provide battery packs shaped to conform to theexternal shape of a mobile device, thereby providing a permanent orlong-term replacement power source without significantly affecting thesize and usability of the mobile device.

According to one feature, the battery pack may provide recharge power tothe mobile device while also providing an external signaling and/orcharging interface to the mobile device. This way, the mobile deviceneed not be removed from the battery pack in order to charge it orprovide data (e.g., synchronization, etc.).

According to yet another feature, the battery pack may include one ormore different types of communication interfaces to extend thecommunication capabilities of the mobile device. This allows the mobiledevice to communicate via other interfaces that may not be built intothe mobile device.

According to yet another feature, the battery pack may include one ormore processors to extend the processing capabilities of the batterypack. For instance, the one or more processors may increase theprocessing capabilities of the battery pack and/or providepurpose-specific processors. That is, the interface between the batterypack and mobile device may allow the mobile device to use the one ormore processors to execute application on the battery pack. Now thatsuch applications may, in some instances, continue to operate even ifthe mobile device is detached from the battery pack.

According to yet another feature, the battery pack may include andinductive recharging device or a near-distance recharging device so thatits power cells may be recharged without actually physically plugging itto a recharge power source.

First Embodiment of Battery Pack

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a battery pack for a mobiledevice according to one example. In this example, the battery pack 100is shaped to receive or house a mobile phone within a contoured cavity102. The battery pack 100 has an integrated rechargeable power cellcapable of providing power to operate and/or recharge a mobile device(e.g., iPhone™ by Apple Inc., etc.).

FIG. 2 illustrates how a mobile device can be housed within the batterypack 100 of FIG. 1. As can be appreciated from this figure, the batterypack 100 is shaped to closely wrap around the mobile device 202 andserves as a protective case for the mobile device 100.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the battery pack 100 of FIG. 1. Thebattery pack 100 includes a back plane 304, first and second sides 306and 308, a bottom side 312, and a top side 314. The back plane 304,first and second sides 306, bottom side 312 and top side 314 may beshaped to form a pocket or cavity 102 in which a mobile device to bepowered can be housed. The top side 314 of the battery pack 100 mayslide out to allow insertion and removal of the mobile device.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the battery pack 100 may include one or moreopenings 104, 108, 110, and 112 to facilitate access to various featuresof the mobile phone. For instance, a first opening 104 on the back plane304 of the battery pack 100 may allow unobstructed view for a cameralens on the back of the mobile device. A second Opening 108 may provideaccess to a screen on/off switch for the mobile device. A third opening110 may provide access to an audio jack on the mobile device. A fourthopening 112 on the first side 306 may provide access to a volume controlsliding switch.

The battery pack 100 may also include a connector or interface 106within the cavity 102 (e.g., on the bottom side 312) through which powercan be provided to the mobile device from the internal power cell of thebattery pack 100. Additionally, the connector 106 may be coupled to anexternal interface to provide input and/or output signals to the mobiledevice.

From FIG. 1, it can be appreciated that the battery pack may include twosections that separate to allow insertion of the mobile device and canthen be coupled together to secure the mobile device in place. The sizeand shape of the battery pack 100 may be approximately that of theexternal contour of a mobile device to which it is intended to providepower.

FIG. 4 illustrates the battery pack of FIG. 1 in an open configuration.The battery pack 100 may include a bottom section 402 and a top section404 that can be separated from each other to insert a mobile devicewithin the battery pack 100 and can then be coupled together secure themobile device in place. For example, the bottom section 402 may includereceiving grooves 406 a and 406 b that receive rails 408 a and 408 bfrom the top section 404. In this manner, the top section 404 can becoupled to the bottom section 402 by pressure fit. For example, a tonguesection 802 (FIG. 8) may slide on to the top section 404 such that anengaging tab 412 couples into a receiving groove 804 (FIG. 8) to securethe top section 404 to the bottom section 402.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the battery pack 100 of FIG. 1. In thisview, the top side 314 of the battery pack 100 is shown and the firstopening 104, second opening 108, and third opening 110 can beappreciated.

FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom view of the battery pack 100 of FIG. 1. Inthis view, the bottom side 312 of the battery pack 100 is shown. In thisview, an external interface 602 (e.g., micro USB connector) is shown.This external interface 602 may serve to recharge the internal powercell of the battery pack. Additionally, the external interface 602 mayalso provide a pass-through signaling interface for the internalconnector or interface 106, thereby allowing the mobile device tocommunicate via the external interface 602. A switch 604 may also belocated on the bottom side 312 of the battery pack and can function toswitch power from the battery pack On or Off. That is, when the mobiledevice has sufficient power on its own, the power cell of the batterypack is not needed and can be switched Off until it is needed.

FIG. 7 illustrates a back view of the battery pack 100 of FIG. 1. Inthis example, a test button 702 is provided that, when pushed, causesplurality of LED lights 704 to indicate the power or charge level of theinternal power cell of the battery pack 100.

FIG. 8 illustrates back view of the battery pack 100 of FIG. 1 in anopen position.

FIG. 9 illustrates a first side view of the battery pack of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 illustrates the first side view of the battery pack of FIG. 1 inan open position.

FIG. 11 illustrates a second side view of the battery pack of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 illustrates the second side view of the battery pack of FIG. 1in an open position.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of components of the battery pack of FIG. 1.In this example, the battery pack may include a first bottom section1302 and a second bottom section 1304 which form a top and bottom shellin between which one or more circuit boards 1308, 1310, and/or 1312and/or one or more power cells 1306 are housed. That is, the circuitshoards 1308, 1310, 1312 and/or power cell(s) 1306 are sandwiched betweenthe top and bottom sections 1302 and 1304 of the battery pack 100.Consequently, the rechargeable power cell(s) 1306 may be housed withinthe thickness of the back plane of the battery pack.

In some instance, the circuit boards and or power cell of the batterypack may cause interference with the antenna or signaling of the mobiledevice which is in close proximity. Consequently, one aspect providesfor reducing the size of a primary circuit hoard 1308 by addingsecondary circuit boards 1310 and 1312 which are electrically coupled tothe primary circuit hoard 1308. This allows reducing the size of thecircuit board 1308 thereby reducing interference to the antenna of themobile device. Additionally, the ground for the power cell 1306 may becoupled to the ground for the mobile device (via the internal interface106) to reduce interference to the mobile device.

FIG. 14 illustrates a block diagram for the battery pack 100 of FIG. 1.The battery pack 1402 may include a power cell 1404, an internalinterface 1406, an external interface 1408, and charge level indicator1410. The internal interface 1406 may be adapted to provide a mobiledevice power from the power cell 1404 as well as passing signal to/fromthe mobile device to the external interface 1408. The external interface1408 may allow recharging of the power cell 1404 as well as passingsignals to/from the mobile device via the internal interlace 1406. Aswitch 1412 may allow switching power from the power cell 1404 to themobile device On and Off as desired. Also, a charge level indicator 1410permits displaying of the charge level of the power cell 1404.Additionally, a recharging module 1412 serves to recharge to power cell1404 when needed.

Second Embodiment of Battery Pack

FIGS. 15-16 and 18-22 illustrate yet another embodiment of the powerpack. In this embodiment, the power pack may operate as previouslydisclosed but does not include a top section. By removing the topsection, the battery pack is more compact in size and ergonomic so thatit does not significantly increase or change the size, thickness, and/orshape of mobile communication device 1602 secured thereto.

FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of the battery pack 1502.

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of the battery pack 1502 with amobile device 1602 inserted therein.

FIG. 18 illustrates another perspective view of the battery pack 1502.

FIG. 19 illustrates a front view of the battery pack 1502.

FIG. 20 illustrates a front view of the battery pack 1502 with themobile device inserted therein.

FIG. 21 illustrates a back view of the battery pack 1502 with the mobiledevice 1602 inserted therein.

FIG. 22 illustrates a side view of the battery pack 1502 with andwithout the mobile device 1602. Note that, in some embodiments, the leftand right sides may be symmetrical.

Extendible Processing and Interfacing Platform

FIG. 17 illustrates a battery pack that also operates as an extendibleprocessing and/or interfacing platform for a mobile device. In oneexample, the battery pack 1702 may operate as described with referenceto FIG. 14. In addition, the battery pack may also include one or moreprocessors 1706 and/or one or more interfaces 1708. The one or moreprocessors 1706 a and 1706 b may allow a mobile device coupled to theinternal interface 1406 to extend its processing capabilities. Forinstance, the mobile device may cause one or more applications to beexecuted on the one or more processors 1706 while using a user displayon the mobile device as an output interface. Additionally, theprocessors 1706 a and/or 1706 b may be purpose-specific processors thatallow the mobile device to perform particular tasks not otherwisepossible on its own. For example, the processors 1706 may provideanalog-to-digital conversion, audio signal sampling, temperaturemeasuring, etc., which may not be available to the standard mobiledevice.

The one or more interfaces 1708 a and 1708 b may also provide the mobiledevice a means by which to communicate or acquire signals. Theseinterfaces 1708 may effectively expand the communication interfacesavailable to the mobile device by providing wired and/or wirelesscommunication interfaces for various types of signals (e.g., audio,infrared, etc.).

The battery pack 1702 may also include a recharging module 1704 thatfacilitates recharging of the power cell 1404. For example, therecharging module 1704 may be a wireless or cordless charging devicethat inductively or otherwise facilitates recharging of the power cell1404.

In one example implementation, the battery pack 1702 may be adapted tofunction as a Medical Processing Unit which may have build-incapabilities for monitoring real-time health conditions (e.g., alcohollevels in breath, pulse, temperature, blood pressure, test and/ordiagnose diabetes, etc.) via build-in test port. Consequently, thebattery pack 1702 can collect and/or process such collected data andstore it in the mobile device. Note that the processing of such data maybe directed by an application that operates either on the one or moreprocessors of the battery pack 1702 and/or the processor(s) of themobile device. According to one feature, if an abnormal health conditionoccurs (e.g., a heart attack, fainting, seizure, etc.), the MedicalProcessing Unit may detect this condition and automatically activate themobile device (e.g., cellular phone) to send urgent text message orentails to a doctor, hospital, or emergency responder. The respondingparty (doctor, hospital, emergency responder) may be able to locate thepatient via a global positioning system or information from the mobiledevice.

In another example implementation, the battery pack 1702 may be adaptedto function as a Gaming Processing Unit that may include the capabilityof turning the mobile device into a real handheld gaming device withjoysticks or large PSP/DS type of gaming buttons and communicationdevices. Consequently, the mobile device may be configured to operate asan input and/or output interface (e.g., via a display on the mobiledevice or battery pack) for a game.

In yet another example, the battery pack 1702 may be adapted to functionas a Home Entertainment Unit that may include the capability of turningthe mobile device into a Universal Smart Remote Control which cancontrol all the IR activated units in a home or office (e.g. controlgarage doors, television sets, security alarm, air conditioning,lighting, etc.). For this purpose, the battery pack 1702 may includevarious interfaces 1708 that provide the specific infrared and/orwireless protocols and/or signaling to control such devices.

Speakers & Microphone

Another feature may provide for one or more speakers to be included aspart of the battery packs or holster (illustrated in FIGS. 1-22). Forinstance a low-profile speaker may be housed within the back plane of abattery pack so that the sound may be emitted from the rear or sides ofthe battery pack. When a mobile device is inserted and coupled to thebattery pack, it couples to an interface that electrically connects thespeaker to the mobile device. The mobile device may send audio or soundsignals to the speaker via an interface with the battery pack. Thisallows a user to listen to audio stored in the mobile device without theneed, for headphones.

Similarly, another feature may provide for one or more microphones to beincluded as part of the battery packs (illustrated in FIGS. 1-22). Oneor more microphones may be housed within the battery pack (e.g., backplane) so that they may capture sound from a user. The microphone may beelectrically coupled to an interface that allows sending captured audiosignals to a mobile device that may be coupled to the battery pack.

According to yet another feature, when the mobile device is coupled tothe battery pack 1702, it may cause one or more applications to executeon the processors 1706. These applications may continue to operate orexecute even if the mobile device is removed or decoupled from thebattery pack 1702. For example, the battery pack may continue to collectdata (e.g., monitor medical conditions for a patient to which it iscoupled) and wirelessly transmits the collected data or an alarm to themobile device. This is possible since the processors 1706 may be poweredby the power cell 1404 and can be configured to operate whether or notthe mobile device is coupled to the battery pack.

Integrated Display

In some embodiments of the battery pack 1702, battery pack 1702 may alsoinclude an integrated display or screen. For example, the integrateddisplay may be on the outer surface of the back plane of the batterypack. Alternatively, the display 1710 may slide out from within thehousing of the battery pack. This integrated display 1720 may allowdisplaying additional information or data to a user. The additionaldisplay screen may be electrically coupled to the mobile device (via aninterface) to allow the mobile device to send images or video to theadditional display screen.

In another example, the rear of the back plane may house a Braille inputand/or output interface that electrically coupled a mobile devicemounted within the holster or battery pack.

In yet another embodiment, the rear of the back plane may provide akeypad that serves as an input to the mobile device.

According to another feature, the battery pack and/or holster mayprovide an external interface (e.g., Bluetooth wireless interface, USBport, infrared port, etc.) that may allow the mobile device mounted inthe battery pack and/or holster to communicate via that externalinterface. Thus the external interface may provide a different wirelessinterface than provided or supported by the internal system of themobile device.

Consequently, a battery pack for a mobile communication device isprovided comprising: (a) a casing or holster (e.g., FIG. 4, 402 and/or404) defining a cavity (FIG. 1, 102) that conforms, at least partially,to the outer shape of the mobile communication device (FIG. 2, 202);and/or (h) one or more rechargeable power cells (FIG. 13, 1306) housedwithin the thickness (between 1302 and 1304) of the casing. The casingsecures the mobile communication device (202) within the cavity (102)while at least one surface (e.g., a display screen) of the mobilecommunication device remains exposed. An internal interface (106)engages a corresponding interface on the mobile communication device toprovide power from the one or more rechargeable cells (1306) to themobile communication device. An external interface (FIGG. 6, 602)electrically couples to the internal interface (106) to transmit signalsfrom the mobile communication device to an external device. The externalinterface (602) may further serve to recharge the one or morerechargeable power cells. The casing further defines one or more accessopenings (104, 108, 110, 112) to permit access to integrated interfacesof the mobile communication device (202).

The battery pack (100 or 1502) may further include a recharging device(1704) integrated within the battery pack that wirelessly recharges theone or more rechargeable power cells (1306).

An extendible communication and/or processing platform may be providedto mobile communication device by the battery back. For instance, aplurality of communication interfaces (1708) may be coupled to theinternal interface (106 or 1406), wherein the mobile communicationdevice (202) can transmit and receive signals via the communicationinterfaces (1708). Similarly, at least one processor (1706) may becoupled to the internal interface (106 or 1406), and adapted to collectinformation via one or more interfaces (1708) of the battery pack andprovide the collected information to the mobile communication device(202). At least one processor (1706) may be adapted to execute one ormore instructions under the control of the mobile communication device(202). According to one feature, a display interface (1710) may beintegrated into the battery pack to display information to a user.

The thickness of the battery pack (100 or 1502) is less than twice thethickness of the mobile communication device. In some embodiments, thethickness of the battery pack may extend, for example, between ten andninety percent more than the thickness of the mobile communicationdevice. For example, the battery pack may extend a mere thirty to fiftypercent more than the thickness of the mobile communication device.

Similarly, a battery pack (100) for a mobile device (202) may include(a) a back plane (304), (h) a first and second sides (306 and 308). (c)a bottom side (312), wherein the back plane (304) and first (306),second (308) and bottom (312) sides define a cavity (102) for mountingthe mobile device (202); and (d) one or more battery cells (1306) housedwithin the thickness of the back plane (304). One or more speakers maybe housed within the thickness of the back plane (304) and electricallycoupled to an interface (106) to allow a mobile device (202) mounted inthe cavity (102) to send audio signals through the one or more speakers.Similarly, one or more microphones may be housed within the thickness ofthe back plane (304) and electrically coupled to an interface (106) toallow a mobile device (202) mounted in the cavity (102) to receive audiosignals from the one or more microphones.

Third Embodiment

FIGS. 23-27 illustrate one example of a battery pack for a mobiledevice. FIG. 23 illustrates a front view of the battery pack 2102includes a back plane 2104, first and second sides 2106 and 2108, and abottom side 2112. The back plane 2104, first and second sides 2106 andbottom side 2112 may be shaped to form a pocket into which a mobiledevice to be powered can slide. A top portion 2114 of the battery pack2102 may remain open to allow insertion and removal of the mobiledevice. A device interface 2110 may be positioned along the bottom side2112 to couple with the mobile device. The device interface 2110 mayserve for the battery pack 2102 to provide power to the mobile device.The battery pack may be detached from the mobile device to be recharged.In some examples, a user may have two battery packs so that when one isbeing charged, the other can be powering the mobile device.

FIG. 24 illustrates a side view of the battery pack 2102. The first andsecond sides 2106 and 2108 may extend the whole length or a partiallength of the battery pack 2102. The sides and ends 2202 and 2204 of thebattery pack 2102 may be rounded to provide an ergonomic shape.Additionally, internal rechargeable battery cells may be housed withinthe thickness of the back plane 2104. The internal rechargeable batterycells may be coupled to the device interface 110 to provide power to themobile device.

FIG. 25 illustrates a back view of the battery pack 2102. The size ordimensions of the back plane 2104 may be approximately that of themobile device to which it is intended to provide power. Additionally, aplurality of LEDs 2302 may be mounted on the back surface to indicatethe charge status of the internal battery cells of the battery pack2102.

FIGS. 26 and 27 illustrate two different side views of how one type ofmobile device 2402 (i.e., an iPhone™ by Apple Inc.) may be mounted orcoupled to the battery pack 2102. The mobile device 2402 may slide intothe battery pack 2102 and may be held in place or attached by the firstand second sides 2106 and 2108 and/or device interface 2110.

Fourth Embodiment

FIGS. 28-31 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a mobile deviceholster. The holster 2602 may include a back plane 2604, a first andsecond sides 2606 and 2608, a bottom side 2610, and an upper flange 2612which define a cavity 2614 for housing a mobile device. An opening 2616may be defined between the upper flange 2612 and the back plane 2604.The upper flange 2612 may flex (as denoted in FIG. 30) to allow themobile device to be inserted through the opening 2616 to insert themobile device. Similarly, the upper flange 2612 may flex back to allowthe mobile device to be removed. The upper flange 2612 and first andsecond sides 2606 and 2608 may be shaped to retain the mobile devicewhen inserted into the holster 2602. In one example, the holster 2602may include one or more interfaces that couple to the mobile device whenthe mobile device is housed within the holster. The interface act as abridge to allow the mobile device to couple to an external device. Forinstance, the holster 2602 may be adapted to be coupled to an externalbattery pack to provide power to the mobile device.

In an alternative embodiment, the holster 2602 may also include one ormore rechargeable battery cells within the thickness of the back plane2604 that can power the mobile device via a device interface. FIG. 31illustrates one example of a back view of the holster 2612. An opening2902 may be formed on the back plane 2604 to allow access to a reset orpower button on the mobile device.

Fifth Embodiment

FIGS. 32-35 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a battery pack. Thebattery pack 3002 may include a back plane 3004, a first and secondsides 3006 and 3008, a bottom side 3010, and an upper side 3012 whichdefine a cavity 3004 for housing a mobile device. Additionally, thebattery pack 3002 may include a first device interface 3014 and a seconddevice interface 3016 (e.g., power connector, audio signals, controlsignal, data signals, etc.). In one embodiment, the second deviceinterface 3016 may serve to provide power from one or more internalpower cells (housed within the thickness of the back plane 3004). Theinternal power cells may be recharged via a third interface 1018 on thebattery pack 3002. As illustrated in FIG. 33B, a mobile device 3102 maybe inserted and housed by the battery pack 3002.

FIGS. 34 and 35 illustrate how the battery pack 3002 may be adapted toallow the mobile device 3102 to be inserted or removed. An upper portion3204 may be movably separated from a lower portion 3202 of the batterypack 3002. The upper portion 3204 may slide on guides 3208 on both sidesto create a space which allows the mobile device 3102 to detach from theinterfaces 3014 and/or 3016. Once detached, the mobile device may beremoved. Similarly, the space created by the upper portion 3204 slidingaway from the bottom portion 3202 allows the mobile device to beinserted into the battery pack 3002.

The guides 3208 may also act as a stopper to prevent the upper portion3204 from completely separating from the bottom portion 3202 once aseparation limit is reached. Similarly, the guides 3208 may also includelocking tabs that secure or couple the upper portion 3204 and lowerportion 3202 together when they are in a closed position.

Sixth Embodiment

FIGS. 36-40B illustrate an alternative embodiment of a battery pack. Thebattery pack 3402 may include a back plane 3404, a first and secondsides 3406 and 3408, a bottom side 3410, and an upper side 3412 whichdefine a cavity 3404 for housing a mobile device 3426. Additionally, thebattery pack 3402 may include a first device interface 3414 and a seconddevice interface 3416 (e.g., power connector, audio signals, controlsignal, data signals, etc.). In one embodiment, the second deviceinterface 3416 may serve to provide power from one or more internalpower cells (housed within the thickness of the back plane 3404). Theinternal power cells may be recharged via a third interface 3418 on thebattery pack 3402. As illustrated in FIG. 36B, a mobile device 3426 maybe inserted and housed by the battery pack 3402.

FIGS. 38, 39, and 40A-B illustrate how the battery pack 3402 may beadapted to allow the mobile device 3426 to be inserted or removed. Anupper portion 3502 may be movably separated from a lower portion 3506 ofthe battery pack 3402. The upper portion 3502 may slide on guides 3504on both sides to create a space which allows the mobile device 3426 todetach from the interfaces 3414 and/or 3416. Once detached, the mobiledevice 3426 may be removed. Similarly, the space created by the upperportion 3502 sliding away from the bottom portion 3506 allows the mobiledevice to be inserted into the battery pack 3402.

To make it easier to insert and/or remove the mobile device 3426 fromthe battery pack 3402, the guides 3504 may include hinge points thatallow the upper portion 3502 to fold relative to the bottom portion3506, thereby allowing the mobile device 3426 to be removed or insertedwith greater ease.

Additional Features

In some embodiments the back plane of the battery packs and/or holsterof FIGS. 23-40B may house additional devices.

For example, the rear of the back plane may house an additional displayscreen extend the screen on the mobile device. The additional displayscreen may be electrically coupled to the mobile device (via aninterface) to allow the mobile device to send images or video to theadditional display screen.

In another example, the rear of the back plane may house a Braille inputand/or output interface that electrically coupled a mobile devicemounted within the holster or battery pack.

In yet another embodiment, the rear of the back plane may provide akeypad that serves as an input to the mobile device.

According to another feature, the battery pack and/or holster mayprovide an external interface (e.g., Bluetooth wireless interface, USBport, infrared port, etc.) that may allow the mobile device mounted inthe battery pack and/or holster to communicate via that externalinterface. Thus the external interface may provide a different wirelessinterface than provided or supported by the internal system of themobile device.

One embodiment includes a battery pack for a mobile device, comprising:a back plane, a first and second sides, a bottom side, wherein the backplane and first, second and bottom sides define a cavity or pocket formounting the mobile device; and one or more battery cells housed withinthe thickness of the back plane. The one or more battery cells arerechargeable while a mobile device is mounted in the cavity or pocket.The battery pack further comprises an interface to electrically couplethe one or more battery cells to the mobile device. The battery packfurther comprising one or more speakers housed within the thickness ofthe back plane and electrically coupled to an interface to allow amobile device mounted in the cavity or pocket to send audio signalsthrough the one or more speakers. The battery pack further comprisingone or more microphones housed within the thickness of the back planeand electrically coupled to an interface to allow a mobile devicemounted in the cavity or pocket to receive audio signals from the one ormore microphones.

One or more of the features illustrated in FIGS. 1-40B may be rearrangedand/or combined into a single component or embodied in severalcomponents. Additional components may also be added without departingfrom the invention.

While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in theaccompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments aremerely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, andthat this invention not be limited to the specific constructions andarrangements shown and described, since various other modifications mayoccur to those ordinarily skilled in the art.

The following is claimed:
 1. A protective battery case for use with amobile electronic device, the protective battery case comprising: aprotective casing comprising: a back wall configured to be positionedadjacent to at least a portion of a back side of a mobile electronicdevice, wherein the mobile device has a primary battery for powering themobile electronic device; an upper wall configured to be positionedadjacent to at least a portion of a top of the mobile electronic device;a right side wall configured to be positioned adjacent to at least aportion of a right side of the mobile electronic device; a left sidewall configured to be positioned adjacent to at least a portion of aleft side of the mobile electronic device; a front opening configuredsuch that a display of the mobile electronic device is visible throughthe front opening such that the mobile electronic device is usable whileinside the casing; a supplemental battery housed within a thickness ofthe back wall such that the supplemental battery is configured to bepositioned behind the back side of the mobile electronic device; a firstinterface coupled to the supplemental battery and configured to rechargethe primary battery of the mobile electronic device with power from thesupplemental battery; a second interface coupled to the supplementalbattery and configured to recharge the supplemental battery, wherein thesecond interface comprises an external port configured to receive aconnector for wired recharging of the supplemental battery; and a thirdinterface coupled to the supplemental battery and configured to rechargethe supplemental battery, wherein the third interface comprises awireless charging device for recharging the supplemental batterywirelessly.
 2. The case of claim 1, wherein the case is configured towirelessly transmit signals to the mobile electronic device.
 3. The caseof claim 2, wherein the wirelessly transmitted signals comprise data oran alarm.
 4. The case of claim 1, wherein the first interface comprisesa connector configured to engage a corresponding port on the mobileelectronic device.
 5. The case of claim 1, wherein the casing comprisesa bottom wall configured to be positioned adjacent to at least a portionof a bottom of the mobile electronic device, and wherein the firstinterface comprises a connector that extends upward from the bottomwall.
 6. The case of claim 1, wherein the wireless charging deviceincludes an inductive electrical recharging system.
 7. The case of claim1, further comprising a user input element configured to enable a userto start and stop recharging of the primary battery with the power fromthe supplemental battery.
 8. The case of claim 1, wherein a thickness ofthe protective battery case is less than twice the thickness of themobile electronic device.
 9. The case of claim 1, further comprising acharge level indicator configured to indicate the charge level of thesupplemental battery.
 10. The case of claim 1, wherein a portion of thecasing is flexible to facilitate insertion of the mobile electronicdevice into the casing or to facilitate removal of the mobile electronicdevice from the casing.
 11. The case of claim 1, wherein the casingcomprises a lower case portion and an upper case portion configured tocouple to the lower case portion, wherein the upper case portion isremovable from the lower case portion to facilitate insertion of themobile electronic device into the casing or to facilitate removal of themobile electronic device from the casing.
 12. The case of claim 1,wherein the battery case is configured for use with a mobile phone, andwherein an outer surface of the casing generally conforms to an externalshape of the mobile phone.
 13. A method of making a protective batterycase for use with a mobile electronic device, the method comprising:providing a protective casing that comprises: a back wall configured tobe positioned adjacent to at least a portion of a back side of a mobileelectronic device; an upper wall configured to be positioned adjacent toat least a portion of a top of the mobile electronic device; a rightside wall configured to be positioned adjacent to at least a portion ofa right side of the mobile electronic device; a left side wallconfigured to be positioned adjacent to at least a portion of a leftside of the mobile electronic device; a front opening configured suchthat a display of the mobile electronic device is visible through thefront opening such that the mobile electronic device is usable whileinside the casing; disposing a battery within a thickness of the backwall such that the battery is configured to be positioned behind theback side of the mobile electronic device; providing a first interfacecoupled to the battery and configured to provide power to the mobileelectronic device from the battery; providing a second interface coupledto the battery and configured to recharge the battery, wherein thesecond interface comprises an external port configured to receive aconnector for wired recharging of the battery; and providing a thirdinterface coupled to the battery and configured to recharge the battery,wherein the third interface comprises a wireless charging device forrecharging the battery wirelessly.
 14. The method of claim 13, whereinthe case is configured to wirelessly transmit signals to the mobileelectronic device.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the wirelesslytransmitted signals comprise data or an alarm.
 16. The method of claim13, wherein the first interface comprises a connector configured toengage a corresponding port on the mobile electronic device.
 17. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the casing comprises a bottom wallconfigured to be positioned adjacent to at least a portion of a bottomof the mobile electronic device, and wherein the first interfacecomprises a connector that extends upward from the bottom wall.
 18. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the wireless charging device includes aninductive electrical recharging system.
 19. The method of claim 13,further comprising providing a user input element configured to enable auser to start and stop power delivery from the battery to the mobileelectronic device.
 20. The method of claim 13, wherein a thickness ofthe protective battery case is less than twice the thickness of themobile electronic device.
 21. The method of claim 13, further comprisingproviding a charge level indicator configured to indicate the chargelevel of the battery.
 22. The method of claim 13, wherein a portion ofthe casing is flexible to facilitate insertion of the mobile electronicdevice into the casing or to facilitate removal of the mobile electronicdevice from the casing.
 23. The method of claim 13, wherein the casingcomprises a lower case portion and an upper case portion configured tocouple to the lower case portion, wherein the upper case portion isremovable from the lower case portion to facilitate insertion of themobile electronic device into the casing or to facilitate removal of themobile electronic device from the casing.
 24. The method of claim 13,wherein the battery case is configured for use with a mobile phone,wherein an external shape of the casing generally conforms to anexternal shape of the mobile phone.